What it is
A request for judgment against a defendant who failed to respond or defend after proper service and entry of default. The motion asks the court to turn procedural nonappearance into an enforceable judgment.
Dispositive (resolves the case)
Motion for Default Judgment
Asks for judgment against a party that failed to respond or defend after default was entered.
When it's used
Filed after the clerk enters default and the defendant still has not appeared or cured the failure. It is common in collection, copyright, trademark, wage, and small business contract cases.
What the other side does
If the defendant appears, it may move to set aside default, challenge service, dispute damages, or argue good cause and a meritorious defense. Nonappearing defendants often do nothing, but the court still reviews the request.
Common outcomes
The court may enter judgment, require proof of damages, hold a hearing, deny the motion for defective service, or set aside default if the defendant shows good cause.
Not legal advice. Motion practice varies by court,
judge, and case type. Local rules and standing orders frequently
modify the federal defaults shown here. If you're facing a motion
or considering filing one, talk to a lawyer about strategy and
timing for your specific case.